Because of the CKD-induced early death of SMC-IKK2–KO mice, we examined whether SMC-IKK2 deficiency accelerates CKD-dependent vascular calcification and stiffness at an early time point (3 weeks after CKD induction) when control mice do not develop CKD-dependent cardiovascular complications (Figure 4, C–F). This evidence concerns the gene IKBKB and chronic kidney disease.